Montreal Real Estate Blog » Just for fun

The MREBlog Welcomes Sonia and her Montreal Food Reviews

Deya Bautista — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:17:46 +0000

Did you know that in Montreal we have more restaurants per capita than most North American cities? With the only exception of New York.

At one point, I started a restaurants reviews section called Eatery. In all honesty, as much as I wanted to continue to write about food, my attention got always re-directed to Real Estate Advice. So that was it for the restaurant posts.

Lucky me, I found Sonia.

Sonia is a young Real Estate Broker, a colleague from McGill Immobilier, who also happens to be the go-to person for Restaurant reviews. You want to know what’s hot in the city? or a good piano bar? Best Japanase spot in town? Ask Sonia. She will know.
A self-proclaimed “Foodie”. She loves to explore new spots, from the little start-ups places (hole in the wall, as she calls them) to the well established ones.

Sonia, we’re all looking forward to your reviews. Welcome to the Montreal Real Estate Blog!

Posted By: Deya Bautista - Real Estate Broker working as part of the McGill Immobilier team. Specializing in high end condos in downtown and Old Montreal. For buying or selling contact Deya at: 514.917.7889 http://montrealrealestateblog.com/

Pssst: Did you get my flyer?

Deya Bautista — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:32 +0000

It is now thursday, and if my calculations are right and you live in (one of ) the areas where I advertise, you should have received my flyer on your mailbox.

If you are wandering what it is, the one side looks like this…

The other side will change monthly, with a different message.

I’ve never been much of a flyer advertiser, but this time I’ve decided to concentrate on the areas where I sell the most. So now, new pictures, new flyers and let’s see what gives…

Services you can’t do without

Deya Bautista — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:53 +0000

(Chez Bobette on Rue Duluth, just east of Rue St Hubert)

This laundromat saved my life.

Ok, maybe it didn’t go as far as saving my life. But I have to share with you this wonderful service, specially if you live in the plateau and you’re too busy to take care of your own clothes.

Yes, one can be that busy.

Back in the day when I had just started in real estate, I had another job (yes, two!) and no free time at all. I had been working seven days a week, long hours for a very long time, and I completely neglected to do laundry.

At the time I was living in a building where the laundry facilities consisted in one very slow washer and one very old dryer, which was to be shared with another 16 neighbours. Also, the laundry room was located in the basement. I don’t like basements (or anything with low ceilings for that matter). So doing a load of laundry became a task to be put off for every following night. And every night there was a new excuse:

“Too tired.
The washer’s already taken.
Not enough time.
I have an early day tomorrow”

Pick one.

By the time I realized it, I had very little clothes left in my closet, there was a good pile of unwashed stuff. I remember taking out 7 garbage bags full of laundry. All of my clothes, my linens, towels and basically anything washable I had at home.

I was decided to do it all at once. Go to a Laundromat early in the morning and spend the whole day in the oh-so-wonderful task of doing laundry. I had to skip work that day just to get all my washing done. When I walked into this place, something wonderful happened. The clerk asked me if I was doing a drop-off and for when I needed it done.

A drop off?

It never occurred to me that a small laundry-mat can offer that type of service. Perfect!

Ever since then, I never fret laundry day. If the going gets rough, and the pile gets too big to handle at once, I just pack it up and drop it off at Chez Bovette!

Well, now is a little different. I live in Old Montreal. I got my own ensuite washer and dryer (heavy duty, I may add) but still, I love that service. And if you suffer from panic attacks at the moment of washing clothes…this place might be just for you :)

Friday Fun: On toilets and Flower Arches

Deya Bautista — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:37 +0000

For the record, this is not a decoration tip, neither we are trying to set a new trend. I found the bathroom already decorated with (fake) flowers on (what it looks like) a wedding arch, in a gas station on the way to New York.

Whose idea was it? We don’t know. But we do know that whoever came up with it must have been a bit bitter about marriage. Either that or he/she has an inclination for avant-garde bathroom decoration.

If you have a passion for toilets and you also love flower arches, why not combine the two?
Hey, it might become a new trend. Or not.

Also notice the two toilet bowl brushes on the side. A sign of a clean bathroom keeper. AND and and..let’s not forget the watering can…for the (plastic) flowers!! This person is really thoughtful.

The first comment I got from friends while looking at this picture:
“Jeez, Im confused. I don’t know whether to take a dump or to get married. ”

And: “oh wow, now my poo smells like flowers”

The list of remarks can go on, but I rather read yours…

I found the bathroom already decorated with (fake) flowers on (what it looks like) a wedding arch, in a gas station on the way to New York. … ” And: “oh wow, now my poo smells like flowers” The list of remarks can go on, but I rather read yours…take it on!

( And have a fantastic weekend! )

Friday Fun: Buy a Trailer, or don’t. We don’t care.

Deya Bautista — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:22:29 +0000

Last tuesday, CTV published and interesting article “Trailer parks a sweet spot in real estate“. It made me think, if there’s a boom with the trailer park market, then all we need is more trailer owners. Right?

With the average home price rising each year, it’s becoming less and less affordable to buy your dream home outright, and it seems, the only hope to ever own our own place will be to:

a. Keep livng with your parents until you save for the downpayment.
b. Keep renting with roommates until you save for the downpayment.
c. Buy a mobile home.

Hey, why not? Even the hollywood starts do it. Check out Matthew McConaughey, he doesn’t have just one, but THREE trailers!

I know what you’re thinking. You’re already frowning at the idea. “Sure they do it in southern states, but here it will be nearly impossible to survive our winters inside a trailer, right?” Well, that all depends on how good the insulation is :) and how honest the trailer dealer is about disclosing such information. And talking about honest…here is a hilarious commercial from Cullman Liquidation Center. Their slogan: “Buy a Trailer. Or Don’t. We don’t care.”

Honest Mobile Home Commercial

On a more serious note: Agents, make sure to read this article before listing a mobile home
http://www.acaiq.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/AAVisuel.woa/wa/aller?langue=2&article=11961

Oh yeah, for the record: I don’t sale mobile homes. Neither we are affiliated to Cullman Liquidation Center. Just in case you were wondering.

Have a great weekend and will be seeing you on monday!

Find yourself a Merry Christmas: Happy Holidays!!

Deya Bautista — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:59:03 +0000

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Feliz Navidad!

Best wishes from all of us, here at the blog!

Video: The Manhattan Bridge Shows Some Moves.

Deya Bautista — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:15 +0000

I’ve seen this video twice over the weekend and it still creeps me out a little. You can see the movement on the bridge each time the subway passes through. These types of bridges are supposed to be flexible, but to see it in action, it just a little freaky.

I enjoy road trips to New York- about twice a year- Believe me when I tell you: next time I’m crossing this bridge, I’ll be thinking about this video!